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What are the Different Types of Plastics
Plastic is a very important material in today’s world. If people were to look around the office or home, they would quickly discover hundreds of items are packaged in plastic, such as shampoo, milk, lotion, in-boxes, nameplates, and the list goes on. Interestingly there are many different types of plastics, each with different characteristics and uses. To give people an idea of just how vast the number of plastics is, the following are a few examples:
• ABS – For this option, plastic is made from three monomers to include styrene, acrylonitrile, and butadiene. While the first two are what give the plastic resistance, the third monomer creates a product that is durable and impact-resistant. Typically, the different uses for this type of plastic are computer housings, sewing machine covers, furniture, and so on.
• Acrylic – Made from acrylic acid or some derivative, these plastics are often used in lieu of glass, seen in products to include Plexiglas.
• Amino Plastics – The formula for this is melamine and urea formaldehydes, which have an ammonia base.
• Bakelite – The proper name for plastics such as this is Phenol Formaldehyde.
• Cellophane – This is a material made by the DuPont Company from cellulose or regenerated wood.
• Cellulose - This is a different plastic made from cellulose materials to include wood pulp and cotton fibers.
• Cellulose Acetate – Plastics made from this would include the handles of toothbrushes, eyeglass frames, and other products that need to be molded. Made from cotton linters and then treated with acetic anhydride and acid makes this a common choice for plastics found in the home.
• Copolymer – In this case, acrylontrile and styrene are used to create plastics through a polymerizing method.
• Elastomer – What makes this plastic different is that it actually has rubber-like properties while still having the toughness found in many plastics.
• Epoxy Resin – For laminates, moldings, and coatings, this is a strong and durable option.
• GRP – Plastics of this type are actually made with glass fibers to create a unique strength, commonly found in furniture, cars, boats, and motorcycles.
• Melamine – Created with a thermo set that uses formaldehyde, the result is plastics that are strong and glossy.
• Polycarbonate – For creating glass, bulletproof shields, baby bottles, and a variety of vandal proof items such as telephone booths, this plastic is extremely tough.
• Polypropylene – In this case, the types of plastics made with polypropylene are hard and strong, as well as a little more rigid than other plastics.